Actor turned politician Desmond Elliot’s rival, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, has presented her Lagos State House of Assembly nomination forms to the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila.
She disclosed this on Sunday through her Instagram page, where she shared photos from the meeting and a message showing political support within the Surulere structure.
Her post read, “In a significant boost to the growing momentum within the progressive family in Surulere, respected political figure and party stalwart, Ogbòni Fuad Oki, has publicly thrown his weight behind the candidacies of Hon. Fuad Kayode Laguda for the House of Representatives, Surulere Federal Constituency I, and Barr. Barakat Odunuga-Bakare for the Lagos State House of Assembly, Surulere Constituency I.
“Ogbòni Oki, widely regarded as one of the Àwọn Ọmọ Èkó Pátákì—true sons of the soil committed to the advancement of Lagos—described both candidates as capable, loyal, and deeply rooted in the progressive ideals that have sustained good governance in the state. He emphasized that their emergence represents continuity, competence, and a renewed commitment to grassroots development.”
The development comes a day after QEDng reported that Odunuga-Bakare, a former special adviser on housing to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had received backing from some All Progressives Congress stakeholders in Surulere Constituency I ahead of the 2027 Lagos State House of Assembly election.
She recently resigned from her position in the Sanwo Olu administration and is seeking the APC ticket for Surulere Constituency I, currently held by Desmond Elliot, who is also seeking a fourth term.
Elliot has represented the constituency since 2015 and is expected to face internal party competition ahead of the next election cycle.
QEDng also reported that Elliot recently addressed speculation of political tension involving Femi Gbajabiamila during a declaration of his intention to return to the House.
He expressed regret over any perceived disagreement, saying, “If I have erred in any way, my leader, I am sorry.”
He also said, “A leader of thought. We are children. Children sometimes err. If I have erred in any way, my leader, I am sorry. Give me another chance, and let’s move on, and let’s bring more dividends of democracy to the people.”
